Fall Date Night Ideas

Let's be honest, there is nothing more fun and beautiful than Fall! The changing colors of the leaves, comfy sweaters and warm drinks in our hands just to name a few. It's also a great time to plan a romantic date with your special someone. Here are some ideas, so get out there and enjoy!

Have a picnic and don't forget a warm blanket

 

Got to a college or high school football game

Make caramel apples

cozy up to a fire

Visit a harvest festival, pumpkin farm or wine festival

Wear a couples Halloween costume

Prewedding Mother (and Mother in Law!) Bonding

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and time consuming, that is why it is so important to take time away from planning, and relax. What better way then to spend that time with your mother, mother in law or a special person in your life and let them know how much you appreciate them. This is a big day for them as well! Here are a few ideas:

Spend the weekend away 

At the beach, in a cabin or a favorite town

Have a Sleep Over

Wear your favorite PJ's, look at old pictures, watch movies and reminisce

                                                                   Have a Spa Day

There is nothing more relaxing than a massage!

Korenne & Eric Smith, MunaLuchi Bride Blog Featured Wedding

Maryland Mansion Wedding: Korenne + Eric Smith

POSTED: JULY 2, 2015 / BY MELODY SIMPSON 

REAL WEDDINGS

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

Korenne, a digital marketing manager and Eric Smith, a contract administrator loved planning their wedding together. Korenne had so many positive things to say about the incredible journey that is wedding planning. “For us, our wedding was the first time we truly felt like partners and we approached everything like a team.” What a phenomenal team they are. The two had an absolutely divine Maryland mansion wedding, the moments captured by Memories of Bliss Photography.

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

Wedding Date: May 3, 2015
Wedding Location: Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD
First Dance Song: “Giving You the Best That I've Got” by Anita Baker
Favorite Items on the Menu: The bacon wrapped scallops and lollipop lamb chops during cocktail hour and the prime rib during the main course. 

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

We met at Ozios Lounge in Washington, DC in September of 2012. I was there for a friend's birthday party. Eric happened to be nearby our table. We struck up a conversation, although Eric was very shy! I asked him to buy me a drink - which he refused to do since we had plenty of free drinks in our section. He challenged me and I knew there was something special about him. So, when he asked for my number at the end of the night, we went out on our first date the very next day!

 We got engaged on September 15, 2013. We had just moved in together. It was the day after I had thrown Eric a birthday party in our new apartment. As we were preparing to go to a wine festival, Eric went into our bedroom to get me an accessory for my outfit. He said, "My outfit was missing something." I didn't think that was strange because he always helps me get dressed! When Eric returned, he got down on one knee and proposed. I was very, very surprised! Little did I know, the weekend before, he asked my dad for my hand in marriage. My entire family was waiting for our phone call to get the official announcement. I was so surprised that they kept the secret from me for a whole week!

After the proposal, we went to the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival and enjoyed our first day as an engaged couple. Trump Winery even gave us a free bottle of Blanc de Blanc while at the event to help us celebrate.

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

 Wedding Style

My wedding dress is a fitted trumpet-style gown from Oleg Cassini. It is ivory lace with subtle pink applique flowers and a sweep train. 

My wedding dress was the first wedding detail I finalized. I went to David's Bridal with my mother, grandmother, Eric's grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. I tried on what seemed like a million dresses. The sales consultant suggested my wedding dress, but I was skeptical about the pink flowers. But as soon as I tried it on, I loved it immediately. And, by the reaction of everyone else when I exited the dressing room, I knew it was the one! As a surprise, my mother purchased the wedding dress for me.

As for bridal party gifts, the groomsmen received Gold bowties and the bridesmaid received vintage floral studs. 

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

Culture

We chose to jump the broom. We wanted a simple ceremony with traditional elements. We used the same broom my brother and sister in law had jumped for their wedding two years before. I loved that we were able to use it for our wedding. 

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

Memories

My favorite memory was walking back down the aisle with my husband, Eric by my side. Stevie Wonder's "As" was playing and everyone was cheering as we exited the atrium. It was such a great moment knowing we had the support of family, friends, and God in our union and I was truly overcome with joy. I cried the entire way, but I swear they were happy tears.

• Tweet it
• Facebook it
• Pin it

Help a bride-to-be out!

We recommend that engaged couples take the time to truly plan their event together. We took an entire year to plan. Brainstorm ideas together. Budget together. Go to the appointments together. We delegated responsibilities to each other and then discussed our findings in the evenings after work. Sometimes, we didn’t always agree. But we communicated constantly about what each of our priorities were and tried to meet those needs. When the wedding arrived, we could relax knowing we both were on the same page. 

Vendors

Wedding Planner and Florist: Prestigious Occasions
Photography: Memories of Bliss Photography
Ceremony and Reception: Newton White Mansion
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride's Earrings: BHLDN
Bride's Necklace: JCrew
Hair: Arif Hair Salon
Makeup: Mod Girl Makeup
Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell via Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor
Brooch Bouquet: Lionsgate Designs
Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: Azad American Formalwear
Groom's Shoes: Hugo Boss
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Bakery
Caterer: Santoni's Catering
DJ: DJ Reece

Article & Photo Credit: MunaLuchi.com  

Wedding Day Beauty

There are very few days in our lives when so much attention is paid to us other than our wedding day. Of course we want to look our best, but where do you start? Most brides want to lose a few pounds, grow out their hair and have the perfect dress. You should also pay close attention to your skin months before the big day. Doing an at home facial or at a spa on a regular basis with help keep your skin glowing. If you go to a spa, consult with your esthetician about an at home skin care regimen for your skin type a few months in advance, in case adjustments need to be made to some of your products. Making an appointment with a dermatologist is a great idea if you have issues that can't be resolved at home.
When it comes to your wedding hair and makeup, scheduling trial run is very important. Meeting the makeup artist and hair stylist to make sure they understand your vision will eliminate unwelcome surprises the day of your wedding. Whether you are a glamorous women and want more of a wow factor, or if you like a more subtle look, make sure to articulate that with both your makeup artist as well as your hair stylist so they can give you the look you want. You should feel comfortable and beautiful on your day and reflect who are!

How Not To Stress And Have Fun Wedding!

When planning a wedding, most couples don't realize how much time can go into preparing for your big day. There are are many details that can come out of nowhere and cause undo stress and confusion. So how do you avoid that and enjoy your day? Here are a few tips:

• Hire an experienced wedding planner. He or She can take care of all of the many details, especially on the actual wedding day which will allow you to focus on the celebration.

•  Accept that problems and issues can arise throughout the process and on the wedding day. Sometimes there is no way to avoid it but understand that your planner will take care of any issues so relax!

•  Start planning early. This will allow you to research vendors and venues which can save you money. 

• Book your venue and vendors early especially if you have a particular venue or vendor you want to use or work with.

2016 Wedding Dress Trends

If you are a 2016 bride, you may be at the beginning stages of planning and just starting to look at dresses. Every year, designers unveil their collections and it seems the dresses become more and more beautiful! Below is a peek at what you can expect to see as you begin your search.

Stunning Neckline

Beautiful Blushes

Classic & Sophisticated